April 2017 - MARMAM - devlists.uvic.ca

New publication: Extrapolating cetacean densities in the high seas
by Laura Mannocci, Ph.D. 28 Apr '17

28 Apr '17

Dear Colleagues, My co-authors and I are very pleased to announce the publication of our paper in Conservation Biology: Mannocci, L., Roberts, J.J., Miller, D.L., & Halpin, P.N. (2017) Extrapolating cetacean densities to quantitatively assess human impacts on populations in the high seas. Conservation Biology DOI: 10.1111/cobi.12856 The article is Open Access and can be downloaded from: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/cobi.12856/abstract Abstract: As human activities expand beyond national jurisdictions to the high seas, there is an increasing need to consider anthropogenic impacts to species inhabiting these waters. The current scarcity of scientific observations of cetaceans in the high seas impedes the assessment of population-level impacts of these activities. We developed plausible density estimates to facilitate a quantitative assessment of anthropogenic impacts on cetacean populations in these waters. Our study region extended from a well-surveyed region within the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone into a large region of the western North Atlantic sparsely surveyed for cetaceans. We modeled densities of 15 cetacean taxa with available line transect survey data and habitat covariates and extrapolated predictions to sparsely surveyed regions. We formulated models to reduce the extent of extrapolation beyond covariate ranges, and constrained them to model simple and generalizable relationships. To evaluate confidence in the predictions, we mapped where predictions were made outside sampled covariate ranges, examined alternate models, and compared predicted densities with maps of sightings from sources that could not be integrated into our models. Confidence levels in model results depended on the taxon and geographic area and highlighted the need for additional surveying in environmentally distinct areas. With application of necessary caution, our density estimates can inform management needs in the high seas, such as the quantification of potential cetacean interactions with military training exercises, shipping, fisheries, and deep-sea mining and be used to delineate areas of special biological significance in international waters. Our approach is generally applicable to other marine taxa and geographic regions for which management will be implemented but data are sparse. Please note that all the results of this study can be downloaded from: http://seamap.env.duke.edu/models/AFTT-2015/ Cheers, Laura Mannocci, PhD Postdoctoral Associate Marine Geospatial Ecology Lab, Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University https://mgel.env.duke.edu/

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New paper: Just 15% of fleet makes half of ship noise
by Scott Veirs 28 Apr '17

28 Apr '17

Dear colleagues, I would like to announce a new article with implications for marine mammals, as well as other ocean organisms that are sensitive to sound. Entitled "A key to quieter seas: half of ship noise comes from 15% of the fleet <https://dx.doi.org/10.22541/au.149039726.69540798>" this work presents source level statistics and computations which underpin four policy options which could reduce ship noise levels by 3 dB re 1 uPa. Along with my co-authors Val Veirs, Rob Williams, Michael Jasny, and Jason Wood, I invite you to read this open-access preprint -- https://dx.doi.org/10.22541/au.149039726.69540798 Abstract: "Underwater noise pollution from ships is a chronic, global stressor impacting a wide range of marine species. Ambient ocean noise levels nearly doubled each decade from 1963-2007 in low-frequency bands attributed to shipping, inspiring a pledge from the International Maritime Organization to reduce ship noise and a call from the International Whaling Commission for member nations to halve ship noise within a decade. Our analysis of data from 1,582 ships reveals that half of the total power radiated by a modern fleet comes from just 15% of the ships, namely those with source levels above 179 dB re 1 μPa @ 1 m. We present a range of management options for reducing ship noise efficiently, including incentive-based programs, without necessarily regulating the entire fleet." We would also like to encourage the Marmam community to comment upon our article publicly. We have elected to publish our results as a preprint on the collaborative scientific writing site, Authorea, to promote low-cost open science and to solicit feedback from our peers -- you! While reading the article on Authorea in your web browser (as an HTML document, rather than a PDF), you may comment anonymously or non-anonymously on any paragraph, figure, or table. We promise to respond to you, at least in follow-up comments on the site, and possibly by revising the article based on your input. If you prefer to write a traditional comprehensive review, we would be happy to archive and link to it so that your effort is documented and citable. We welcome email responses to scott(a)beamreach.org Best regards, Scott in Seattle

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SCHOLARSHIPS - looking for experienced cetaceans and marine turtles researchers (PhD, Master and Degree levels) for project Mistic Seas II - MADEIRA Archipelago - PORTUGAL
by Luis Freitas - Museu Baleia Madeira 27 Apr '17

27 Apr '17

Dear Colleagues, In the context of Project MISTIC SEAS II, OOM-ARDITI (Madeira Oceanic Observatory / Madeira Research, Tecnology and Development Agency) has announced the following scholarships: A. One researcher (level PhD) with experience in line-transect distance sampling surveys (preferably MRDS Mark-Recapture Distance Sampling) of cetacean and/or sea turtles. The successful candidate should have field experience in carrying out and/or coordinating surveys, in organising, validating and processing data and finally in analysis of data to estimate abundances and generate surface density distribution maps, with General Addictive Models (GAMs), using Distance software and/or R specific package software. The selected applicants will temporarily integrate the Madeira Whale Museum team (partner of OOM - Madeira Oceanic Observatory), with decades of experience in the study of cetaceans in Madeira archipelago. For further information - http://www.arditi.pt/index.php/concursos/bolsas-concursos?id=212 B. Four cetaceans and sea turtles observers (level graduate students), with knowledge and experience in visual detection and data collection of the above-mentioned species, preferably with experience in distance sampling line transect surveys. For further information - http://www.arditi.pt/index.php/concursos/bolsas-concursos?id=209 C. One cetacean photo-id researcher (Master degree), with knowledge and experience in photo-identification of small delphinidae, preferably of bottlenose dolphin and/or short-finned pilot whales, to carry out a photo-identification study to estimate abundance of these species using Capture-Mark-Recapture (CMR) methods following the Robust design. For further information - http://www.arditi.pt/index.php/concursos/bolsas-concursos?id=210 D. One marine turtles researcher (level graduate students), preferably with knowledge and experience in locating, identifying and capturing marine turtles at sea. This person should also have knowledge and experience in carrying out biological sampling of turtles at sea and in the laboratory. For further information - http://www.arditi.pt/index.php/concursos/bolsas-concursos?id=211 The deadline for the submission of applications for the scholarships is the 19th May 2017. For further information on each scholarship please follow the links provided above. The selected applicants that working with cetaceans (A,B,C) will integrate temporarily the Madeira Whale Museum scientific team (partner of OOM - Madeira Oceanic Observatory), while the marine turtles researcher (D) will temporarily integrate the University of Madeira (partner of the OOM - Madeira Oceanic Observatory). Both Institutions have decades of experience in research studies in Madeira archipelago in their respective fields of expertise. The work will be carried out in Madeira archipelago, Portugal. MISTIC SEAS II Applying a subregional coherent and coordinated approach to the monitoring and assessment of marine biodiversity in Macaronesia for the second cycle of the MSFD, is a project financed by the DG ENV, European Commission (No. 11.0661/2017/750679/SUB/ENV.C2). The project aims at implementing the common monitoring programs designed in MISTIC SEAS project and reinforce regionally coherent, coordinated and consistent updates to the determination of GES, as well as to prepare the next steps of the 2nd cycle of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive - MSFD (2008/56/EC). Kind Regards, Luís Freitas Biólogo Marinho - Marine Biologist Coordenador da Unidade de Ciência - Head of the Science Unit Museu da Baleia - Madeira Whale Museum Rua Garcia Moniz Nº.1, 9200-031 Caniçal, Madeira, Portugal. T: 00 351 291 961 858 | F: 00 351 291 961 859 <http://www.museudabaleia.org/> www.museudabaleia.org

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New Publication: Diurnal variation in harbour porpoise detection—potential implications for management
by Williamson, Laura Dawn 27 Apr '17

27 Apr '17

Dear Colleagues, My co-authors and I are pleased to announce the publication of the following article in Marine Ecology Progress Series: Williamson LD, Brookes KL, Scott BE, Graham IM, Thompson PM (2017) Diurnal variation in harbour porpoise detection—potential implications for management. Mar Ecol Prog Ser 570:223-232. https://doi.org/10.3354/meps12118 ABSTRACT: Robust information on animal distributions and foraging behaviour is required to target management and conservation measures for protected species and populations. Visual survey data are commonly used to model these distributions. However, because visual data can only be collected in daylight, modelled distributions and consequent management actions may fail to identify or protect important nocturnal habitats. We explored this issue using data from the Moray Firth, Scotland, where visual survey data have previously been used to characterise habitat use and distribution patterns of harbour porpoises Phocoena phocoena. Marine predators such as harbour porpoises have a widespread distribution, are highly mobile and are known to exhibit behavioural variation in relation to diel cycles. Here, we used long-term passive acoustic data which revealed habitat-specific differences in diel patterns of detection. Harbour porpoises were detected consistently during night and day in sandy areas, with peaks in detection around sunrise and sunset, and at night in muddy areas. Detections also varied with depth, with the greatest proportion of daytime detections recorded in shallower sandy areas, and the most nighttime detections recorded in deeper muddy areas. The proportion of detections with foraging buzzes increased slightly during the night and in muddy habitats. These findings suggest that the importance of muddy habitats could be underestimated when using visual survey data alone. This highlights the value of using a combination of visual and acoustic methods both to characterise species distribution and to support efforts to develop appropriate spatio-temporal management of key habitats. The publication is open access and available at: http://www.int-res.com/abstracts/meps/v570/p223-232/ Best wishes, Laura Laura D. Williamson MASTS PhD student Room 418, Zoology Building School of Biological Sciences University of Aberdeen Tillydrone Avenue Aberdeen AB24 2TZ The University of Aberdeen is a charity registered in Scotland, No SC013683. Tha Oilthigh Obar Dheathain na charthannas clàraichte ann an Alba, Àir. SC013683.

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New publication: Influence of seasonality on cetacean diversity, abundance, distribution and habitat use in the western Mediterranean Sea: implications for conservation
by Antonella Arcangeli 27 Apr '17

27 Apr '17

Dear all, with my coauthors we are pleased to share with you another little piece of information in the puzzle of knowledge we are trying to build together. Arcangeli A, Campana I, Bologna MA. (2017). Influence of seasonality on cetacean diversity, abundance, distribution and habitat use in the western Mediterranean Sea: Implications for conservation. Aquatic Conserv: Mar Freshw Ecosyst. Cetaceans are key biological indicators of the status of marine waters and are protected under an extensive legislative framework. Research about these highly dynamic species is challenging, so seasonal cycles and patterns of distribution, especially in high sea areas, are still poorly understood. This study contributes to improving knowledge about cetacean occurrence in largely unexplored areas of medium‐latitudes in the western Mediterranean Sea. Systematic surveys were conducted along a trans‐regional transect over 3 years (October 2012 to September 2015) allowing consistent data collection over almost 60 000 km of effort through all seasons. Seasonal cetacean diversity was investigated using a25km2 grid cell as a statistical unit to explore patterns of abundance, distribution, and habitat use in three marine sectors (Sardinian-Balearic, Bonifacio Strait, Tyrrhenian). All cetacean species regularly present in the Mediterranean basin were detected, with highest occurrence in fin whale and striped dolphin, followed by bottlenose dolphin and sperm whale. The Sardinian-Balearic sector generally showed higher species richness and diversity than the Tyrrhenian, where seasonal variations were more pronounced. The study suggested seasonal movements, especially for fin whale and striped dolphin, in the Sardinian-Balearic sector with peaks of occurrence during spring/summer and lower numbers during winter/autumn, and also delivered interesting insights to rarer pelagic species. The study identified areas/seasons in which the combined effect of high species diversity, abundance, significance of hot spots and presence of juveniles require increasing conservation effort. Results underline the important contribution of continuous monitoring in high sea areas to the implementation of adaptive protection measures. The MS is available at <https://doi.org/10.1002/aqc.2758> https://doi.org/10.1002/aqc.2758 or by emailing me at antonella.arcangeli(a)isprambiente.it Cheers Antonella ******************************** Antonella Arcangeli PhD ISPRA Dep. for Nature Conservation Via Brancati 60 00144 Rome Italy antonella.arcangeli(a)isprambiente.it ph. +39.06.50074470 mob. +39.349.3272200 *******************************

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New publication on rorqual whale feeding morphology and behavior
by Alex Werth 26 Apr '17

26 Apr '17

Dear MARMAM readers, My coauthor Haruka Ito and I are pleased to announce our new article published in early view in The Anatomical Record: Advances in Integrative Anatomy and Evolutionary Biology: Sling, Scoop, and Squirter: Anatomical Features Facilitating Prey Transport, Processing, and Swallowing in Rorqual Whales (Mammalia: Balaenopteridae). http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ar.23606/full Abstract: Much is known about lunge feeding in balaenopterid whales, but many key aspects of structure, function, and behavior have not yet been explained in detail, especially with regard to concentrating, positioning, and swallowing large aggregations of prey. We describe a novel system of three integrated structural components, all of which are involved in sequential feeding activities (intraoral transport, filtration, and swallowing of prey) that follow lunge-feeding engulfment of prey-laden water in rorquals: (1) a hammock-like muscular sling comprising extrinsic lingual musculature along the midline of the ventral pouch; (2) the flattened scoop-like arrangement of caudal-most baleen plates converging in the oropharynx adjacent to the esophageal opening; and (3) a flow-diverting flange at the posterior dorsum of the lip, by a flow channel at the angle of the mouth. Subsequent to contraction of the ventral pouch and concomitant expulsion of the mouthful of ingested water, these three structures together, we contend, aid in (1) channeling prey posteriorly toward the esophageal opening; (2) concentrating prey as excess water is squeezed from (what is presumed to be) the slurry-like mixture of nektonic and/or planktonic prey and water; and (3) guiding prey into the isthmus of the fauces while simultaneously (4) facilitating expulsion of water. These related functions occur along with, and are in part achieved by, elevation and retraction of the tongue and oral floor. Given their presumed functional role, these systems are best described as a suite of integrated structural adaptations. Anat Rec, 2017. (c) 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Best regards, Alex Werth _______________________________ Alexander J. Werth, Ph.D. Trinkle Professor of Biology Chair, Department of Biology Hampden-Sydney College Box 162, Hampden-Sydney, VA 23943 434-223-6326, fax 434-223-6374 http://www.hsc.edu/Academics/Academic-Majors/Biology/Professors/Alex-Werth.…

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New publication: Social structure of long-finned pilot whales (Globicephala melas) off northern Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia
by Joana Augusto 26 Apr '17

26 Apr '17

Dear colleagues, We are pleased to announce the publication of this new paper in Behaviour: Augusto, J. F., Frasier, T. R. and Whitehead, H. (2017). Social structure of long-finned pilot whales (*Globicephala melas*) off northern Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia. Behaviour. DOI:10.1163/1568539X-00003432 Abstract: Cetacean social structures include fluid and stable elements. Long-finned pilot whales (Globicephala melas) live in units that interact forming labile groups. In this study conducted off Cape Breton Island, between 1998–2011, we confirm unit membership predicts associations between individuals. We determine how units are structured and interact. We delineated 21 nearly-stable social units, with an average 7 members. For units where multiple individuals are sexed, both sexes are present. Most units showed long-term stability, while one showed evidence of splitting. Three units shared individuals with the largest unit (K, average size = 29). Splitting is likely triggered by size and difficulties maintaining associations between all individuals. Pilot whales face many pressures driving sociality at a range of temporal and social scales producing a multilevel society. While we have produced a more detailed model of long-finned pilot whale social structure, there are still unanswered questions, particularly whether units are strict matrilines. This article is available at: http://booksandjournals.brillonline.com/content/journals/10.1163/1568539x-0… or by request Cheers, Joana Augusto ******************************* Joana Augusto, M.Sc. PhD candidate Whitehead Lab Biology Dept. Dalhousie University http://whitelab.biology.dal.ca/ <http://whitelab.biology.dal.ca/>

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NOAA Fisheries Proposed Rule under MMPA - Navy SURTASS LFA incidental take regulations
by Jonathan Shannon - NOAA Federal 26 Apr '17

26 Apr '17

Good morning, NOAA Fisheries is proposing to issue five-year regulations <https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2017/04/27/2017-08066/taking-and-…> under the Marine Mammal Protection Act to govern the incidental take of marine mammals by the U.S. Navy’s operation of Surveillance Towed Array Sensor System Low Frequency Active (SURTASS LFA) SONAR in certain areas of the world’s oceans for the period of August 15, 2017 to August 15, 2022. The Navy’s activities are likely to result in the incidental take of marine mammals by exposing them to low frequency sonar signals. The potential takes authorized by this action are Level B Harassment or behavioral disturbance takes. No level A Harassment takes (potential injury) are expected (or authorized) based on results from the past 14 years of operations and computer modeling of potential takes. No lethal takes are requested or authorized under the MMPA for this action. This will be NOAA Fisheries’ fourth rulemaking for SURTASS LFA sonar operations under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. NOAA Fisheries’ proposed regulations and the subsequent Letters of Authorization include required mitigation and monitoring measures that are expected to reduce adverse impacts to marine mammals. The public is invited to comment on the proposed regulations through Regulations.gov <http://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D= NOAA-HQ-2017-0037> beginning 4/27/17 for thirty days. Please visit http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/permits/incidental/ for more information on NOAA’s incidental take program under the MMPA. Thank you, Jonathan Shannon *Outreach Specialist* *NOAA Fisheries Office of Protected Resources*Office: 301-427-8431 jonathan.shannon(a)noaa.gov <http://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/> www.fisheries.noaa.gov/pr <http://www.facebook.gov/usnoaafisheriesgov> <http://www.twitter.com/noaafisheries> <http://www.youtube.com/usnoaafisheriesgov>

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New Publication: Temporal trends of PBDEs and emerging flame retardants in belugas from the St. Lawrence Estuary (Canada) and comparisons with minke whales and Canadian Arctic belugas
by Simond, Antoine (EC) 26 Apr '17

26 Apr '17

Dear colleagues, My coauthors and I are pleased to announce the publication of the following article in Environmental Research: Simond A. E., Houde M., Lesage V. and Verreault J. (2017). Temporal trends of PBDEs and emerging flame retardants in belugas from the St. Lawrence Estuary (Canada) and comparisons with minke whales and Canadian Arctic belugas. Environmental Research, 156, 494-504 (http://doi.org/10.1016/j.envres.2017.03.058) ABSTRACT An exponential level increase of the ubiquitous halogenated flame retardant (HFR) class polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) has been documented during the 1990s in endangered belugas (Delphinapterus leucas) from the St. Lawrence Estuary (SLE), Eastern Canada. The recent worldwide bans and regulations of PBDE mixtures led to their replacement by alternative HFRs (so-called emerging HFRs) that are increasingly being reported in various environmental compartments. There are, however, limited knowledge on the spatial and temporal trends of PBDEs and emerging HFRs in cetaceans, especially after restrictions on PBDE usage. The first objective of this study was to investigate the occurrence of HFRs (35 PBDE congeners and 13 emerging compounds) in the blubber of belugas and minke whales (Balænoptera acutorostrata) found dead in the Estuary or Gulf of St. Lawrence as well as belugas from Nunavik (Canadian Arctic) collected as part of the Inuit subsistence hunt. A second objective was to investigate the trends of HFR concentrations in SLE beluga males between 1997 and 2013. PBDEs were the most abundant HFRs in all three whale populations, while hexabromobenzene (HBB), Chlordene Plus (CPlus), Dechlorane Plus (DP), and Dechlorane 604 Component B (Dec-604 CB) were quantified in the majority of blubber samples. Overall, concentrations of emerging HFRs were notably greater in SLE belugas compared to the two other whale populations, with the exception of DP and Dec-604 CB that were found in greater concentrations in Canadian Arctic belugas. No significant trend in blubber PBDE concentrations was found in SLE belugas during this 17-year period. This suggests that global PBDE regulations are too recent to observe changes in PBDE concentrations in belugas from this highly HFR-exposed environment. In contrast, concentrations of HBB and CPlus in SLE belugas decreased slightly from 1997 to 2013, while DP increased up until 2000 and decreased slightly thereafter. The occurrence and temporal variations of PBDEs and their replacement products in these cetaceans warrant continuous monitoring. KEYWORDS Polybrominated diphenyl ether; Halogenated flame retardant; Temporal trend; Canadian Arctic; Toothed whale; Baleen whale; St. Lawrence The publication is available at: http://doi.org/10.1016/j.envres.2017.03.058 For more information please contact me at simond.antoine_etienne(a)courrier.uqam.ca<mailto:simond.antoine_etienne@courrier.uqam.ca> Cheers, Antoine

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New publication: Underwater Ambient Noise in a Baleen Whale Migratory Habitat Off the Azores (Miriam Romagosa)
by Miriam Romagosa 26 Apr '17

26 Apr '17

Dear Marmam subscribers, We are pleased to announce thepublication of the following article in the journal of Frontiers in MarineScience, section Deep-Sea Environments and Ecology. Romagosa, M., Cascão, I., Merchant, N.D., Lammers, M. O., Giacomello, E., Marques, T. A. and Silva, M. A. (2017). UnderwaterAmbient Noise in a Baleen Whale Migratory Habitat Off the Azores. Frontiers inMarine Science 4. Doi: https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2017.00109 Abstract: Assessment of underwaternoise is of particular interest given the increase in noise-generating humanactivities and the potential negative effects on marine mammals which depend onsound for many vital processes. The Azores archipelago is an important migratoryand feeding habitat for blue (Balaenoptera musculus), fin (Balaenopteraphysalus) and sei whales (Balaenoptera borealis) en route to summering groundsin northern Atlantic waters. High levels of low frequency noise in this areacould displace whales or interfere with foraging behavior, impacting energyintake during a critical stage of their annual cycle. In this study,bottom-mounted Ecological Acoustic Recorders were deployed at three Azoreanseamounts (Condor, Açores, and Gigante) to measure temporal variations inbackground noise levels and ship noise in the 18–1,000 Hz frequency band, usedby baleen whales to emit and receive sounds. Monthly average noise levelsranged from 90.3 dB re 1 μPa (Açores seamount) to 103.1 dB re 1 μPa (Condorseamount) and local ship noise was present up to 13% of the recording time inCondor. At this location, average contribution of local boat noise tobackground noise levels is almost 10 dB higher than wind contribution, whichmight temporally affect detection ranges for baleen whale calls and difficultcommunication at long ranges. Given the low time percentage with noise levelsabove 120 dB re 1 μPa found here (3.3% at Condor), we would expect limitedbehavioral responses to ships from baleen whales. Sound pressure levelsmeasured in the Azores are lower than those reported for the Mediterraneanbasin and the Strait of Gibraltar. However, the currently unknown effects ofbaleen whale vocalization masking and the increasing presence of boats at themonitored sites underline the need for continuous monitoring to understand anylong-term impacts on whales. The publication is available at: http://journal.frontiersin.org/article/10.3389/fmars.2017.00109/full?&utm_s… Kind regards, Miriam Romagosa --- Miriam Romagosa PhD student MARE – Marine and EnvironmentalSciences Centre & IMAR Centre;Department of Oceanography andFisheries, University of the Azores9901-862Horta Portugal Tel:(351) 292200475Fax:(351) 292200411 E-mail:miromagosa@yahoo.es http://www.whales.uac.pt/

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